National Forest Products Week

October 22, 2012

In the early years of the 20th century, President Theodore Roosevelt consolidated 65 million acres of federal forest reserves into the National Forest System and created the United States Forest Service.

Today, the National Forest System comprises more than 190 million acres of forests and grasslands, a priceless remnant of the great wilderness that once stretched across our country.

America's forests have always offered us unique and irreplaceable benefits.

They are a treasured inheritance.

To recognize the importance of our forests, U.S. Congress has designated the week beginning on the third Sunday in October of each year as National Forest Products Week.

"It is no surprise to me why Wisconsin's wood products industry is the nation's leader," Walker said. "Wisconsin's wood products industry is growing our state's economy with talented workers, scientists and smart property owners - all dedicated to the health of one of our greatest natural resources - our forests. This is a diverse sector that includes everything from the sawmill operators to the logger to the pulp and paper business. This industry would not be the powerhouse it is without those who are committed to the sustainable care of our forests."

The forest products industry in Michigan is equally important, employing more than 40,000 people with wages equalling $1.5 billion annually.

More than half of Michigan is forestland.

The state's 19.3 million acres of forest make it the richest in timberland among the 21 northern states.